Air Fryer Wet Batter: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to deep frying, but can you use a wet batter in one? The short answer is no. The convection-style of cooking used by air fryers can make some items dry, and wet batter can stick to or leak through the basket, creating a mess and potentially setting off smoke alarms. However, some recipes for wet batter in an air fryer do exist, such as beer-battered fish, and there are ways to make it work.

Why wet batter doesn't work in an air fryer

Wet batter doesn't work well in an air fryer because the air fryer's convection-style of cooking circulates hot air around the food, which can make items dry. When deep-frying with wet batter, the hot oil "sets" the batter onto the item, creating a deliciously crunchy coating. However, in an air fryer, the wet batter can stick to or leak through the basket, creating a mess and potentially setting off smoke alarms.

The key issue is that air fryers lack the hot oil needed for the batter to cling to. This results in the batter dropping to the bottom of the basket. Additionally, the directional heat of an air fryer can cause the batter to cook onto the grate before it sets, leading to an unevenly cooked final product.

While it is possible to achieve edible results with wet batter in an air fryer, the outcome will not be as desirable as deep-frying. The batter may stick to the grate, and the final product will not have the same level of crispness and crunch as traditional deep-fried food.

To successfully use wet batter in an air fryer, you can try double-dipping the food item. First, dip it in the wet batter, and then coat it with flour or breadcrumbs. Finally, spray it with olive oil before placing it in the air fryer. This technique may help the batter stick better and create a crispier texture.

Tips for achieving a similar result

Tips for achieving similar results

Use frozen battered foods

If you must air fry, use previously frozen battered foods (such as store-bought battered shrimp and fish). The freezing process sets the batter.

Use breading instead of wet batter

Skip wet batters altogether and opt for breading instead. For example, you can make crispy breaded fish and chips in the air fryer.

Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper

If you do air fry wet-battered foods, be sure to line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and let any excess batter drip off.

Double dip

To make beer-battered fish in an air fryer, you can try double-dipping the fish. First, dip it in the beer batter, and then dip it in flour so that it coats the batter. Spray the fish with olive oil, and then place it in the air fryer.

Use a wet dredge

A wet dredge of water, oil, cornstarch, and flour can make air-fried vegetables remarkably crunchy. This method works well for cauliflower florets and can probably be used for other vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprout halves, carrot coins, and sweet potato chunks.

The best foods to air fry

While wet batter is possible in an air fryer, it is not recommended as the batter can stick to or leak through the basket, creating a mess and potentially setting off smoke alarms. If you want to attempt it, line the basket with parchment paper and let any excess batter drip off. You could also try double-dipping your food in batter and flour, and coating it with olive oil spray. However, this method will result in a thicker coating than traditional frying.

If you're looking for foods that are ideal for the air fryer, here are some of the best options:

Chicken

Air fryers are excellent for cooking chicken, especially chicken thighs and tenders. You can bread chicken with a mixture of flour and spices or simply coat it with olive oil and seasonings. Chicken cooks quickly and evenly in an air fryer, resulting in juicy, tender meat with a crispy exterior.

Fish

Fish, such as cod, is also a great option for air frying. You can bread it or use a light and crispy beer batter. Air frying fish is a healthier alternative to deep frying, and it won't leave your house smelling like oil.

Vegetables

Vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, courgettes, peppers, broccoli, and kale are perfect for air frying. You can make delicious fries, wedges, or roasted veggies with a minimal amount of oil. Air frying is a quick and healthy way to cook vegetables, and they come out crispy and tasty.

Bacon

Air-fried bacon is a healthier alternative to stovetop cooking. It comes out crispy and brown without swimming in grease. Simply place the bacon strips in a single layer and cook for 5-8 minutes at 400°F.

Frozen Foods

The air fryer is ideal for cooking frozen foods like chicken tenders, fish sticks, fries, onion rings, and breaded vegetables. It's quicker than an oven and doesn't require preheating, making it perfect for busy days.

Tofu

For a healthy and crispy treat, try air frying tofu bites with soy sauce, sesame oil, and seeds. The air fryer's convection-style cooking makes tofu bites nice and crispy without the need for deep frying.

Desserts

You can make delicious, healthy desserts in an air fryer, such as air-fried banana halves with cinnamon, nuts, and raisins. You can also make small batches of cookies, cakes, and 'smores without heating up your entire oven.

So, while wet batter is possible in an air fryer, it may be messy and not as effective as other cooking methods. There are plenty of other foods that are ideal for air frying, resulting in tasty, healthy, and quick meals.

The best foods to avoid air frying

While air fryers are great for cooking a variety of foods, there are some items that are best avoided due to the potential for mess, uneven cooking, or poor taste. Here are some of the best foods to avoid air frying:

Wet Battered Foods

When attempting to cook wet-battered foods like beer-battered fish or tempura vegetables in an air fryer, the batter can stick to or leak through the basket, creating a mess and potentially setting off smoke alarms. The convection-style cooking of an air fryer can make these foods disappointingly dry. Instead, stick to deep-frying wet-battered foods or use previously frozen battered foods, as the freezing process sets the batter.

Muffins

Air frying muffins can lead to an undesirable texture, resulting in a crispy exterior and a rock-hard interior. This is because the air frying method dehydrates the centre of the muffins instead of making them fluffy and light. If you're looking for a sweet treat, there are other options better suited for the air fryer, such as donuts or chocolate chip cookies.

Cheese (Without Protection)

Placing cheese directly on the air fryer basket without any lining can result in a melty, smoky mess. To avoid this, line the basket with parchment paper before adding the cheese. Alternatively, layer the cheese in a sandwich or encase it in a thick breading to prevent it from melting directly onto the basket.

Eggs

While there are recipes for air-fried "hard-boiled" eggs, the result can be chewy and rubbery in texture. Other methods, such as stovetop or Instant Pot, are faster and produce better results without the rubbery texture.

Rice

Rice requires moisture to cook properly, and the dry environment of an air fryer is not ideal. Even with additional water and a special pan insert, the rice may still turn out undercooked and crispy in spots. It's best to use an Instant Pot or stovetop methods for cooking rice. However, the air fryer can be useful for making fried rice with leftover cooked rice.

Baby Spinach

Air frying baby spinach can result in a mix of uncooked and charred leaves due to the small size and delicate nature of the leaves. Instead, opt for a more robust green like curly kale, which can withstand the intense heat and airflow of the air fryer.

Toast

Air frying bread can result in hard, crispy, and dry toast. It is recommended to use a toaster, toaster oven, or broiler instead to achieve the desired texture and colour without over-drying the bread.

How to achieve a crispy texture without wet batter

While wet batter can be used in an air fryer, it is not recommended as it can create a mess and set off smoke alarms. Instead, you can achieve a crispy texture in your air fryer by following these tips:

Choose the Right Protein

Select proteins with a higher fat content, such as chicken thighs or salmon fillets. These tend to crisp up nicely in the air fryer, resulting in a golden and crunchy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Leaner cuts of meat, like chicken breasts, are more likely to dry out.

Optimal Vegetables

Air fryers can produce crispy and delicious vegetables, especially root vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Cut them into small, evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus can also be air-fried, resulting in a crispy and healthy side dish.

Proper Seasoning

Pat dry the ingredients before seasoning them to remove excess moisture. This helps the food crisp up better. Season generously with your favorite herbs and spices to add flavor and enhance crispiness.

Coating and Breading

Use coatings and breading to achieve a crispy texture. When coating ingredients, follow this order: dip in flour, then an egg wash, and finally coat with breadcrumbs or a mixture of your choice. For an extra crunch, add crushed nuts or panko breadcrumbs.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating the air fryer helps create a crispy surface quickly. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature before adding your food so that the food starts cooking immediately and results in a crispy exterior.

Temperature Control

Finding the right balance between heat and time is crucial for achieving the perfect crispiness. Most air fryers have adjustable temperature settings, so you can customize the cooking process. Higher temperatures generally yield a crispier texture, but be cautious not to overcook or burn your food. Experiment with different settings to find the perfect balance.

Timing

Different foods have different cooking times, so it's essential to understand the correct timing for each item. Thinner and smaller foods like fries or chicken tenders cook faster than larger items like whole chicken or pork chops. Follow the guidelines in your air fryer's manual or recipe book, but be prepared to adjust the timing based on your personal preferences and desired crispiness level.

Flipping and Shaking

Flip your food halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness on both sides. For foods like french fries or onion rings, gently shake the air fryer basket every 5-10 minutes to prevent the ingredients from sticking together and promote even cooking.

Frequently asked questions